Chapter 2

$280,000? That's less than what I spend on a casual day.

What infuriated me wasn't the money, it was Serena's ungrateful actions!

"The money, I can pay!"

The moment I finished speaking, a triumphant smile spread across Brandon's face.

Serena also visibly relaxed, as if the whole ordeal was finally over.

"But…"

My tone shifted abruptly, my voice rising sharply.

"You need to clearly explain this $280,000 bill to me, item by item, every single charge!"

Brandon immediately pulled out a pre-prepared bill, reading it aloud with a boastful, mocking tone.

"First, the Premium Detailed Diagnostic Fee. Our club uses a German original imported analyzer, and it's operated by an expert with 'International Artisan Certification.' It took three hours to complete the inspection, so the diagnostic fee is naturally charged according to international standards."

"Also, your car's exhaust had some strange vibrations affecting its acoustic beauty. We performed an 'Italian Opera Tenor Resonance Chamber' style upgrade, making the exhaust sound like Pavarotti's voice—rich and powerful, greatly increasing its value."

I almost thought I misheard him. The three business partners who came with me visibly twitched at the corners of their mouths, and even Serena awkwardly lowered her head.

But he wasn't done yet; Brandon's claims grew even more outrageous.

"Finally, our technicians found your car's turbocharger lacked balance. This isn't a common issue; it requires a Swiss precision calibrator used in a vacuum environment, with remote guidance from HQ experts, to perform a spiritual dynamic balance calibration, ensuring the turbo and engine achieve soul-level harmony."

"What's that called? That's called unique, top-tier service, understand?"

"In short, our Coastline Auto Club has clear pricing, no hidden fees. It's just that you're out of your league, you've never seen the world, so you're making a fuss!"

His last sentence was full of blatant contempt and humiliation.

My friend, Ms. Harper, couldn't listen anymore. She stood up to mediate.

"Eleanor, it's getting late. Why don't we leave? I'll cover this bill."

I raised my hand, firmly stopping her. By now, what had started was no longer just about money.

I had brought my business partners here to introduce Serena to my network and get my car serviced, only to be publicly humiliated by Brandon.

Forcing down my anger, I turned to my three business partners and apologized sincerely.

"My deepest apologies for making you witness such a ridiculous scene and spoiling your mood. As a token of my regret, I'll book 'The Pinnacle Club' this Saturday and host a new dinner for you all."

Almost the instant I finished speaking, my friends' phones began to buzz with appointment confirmations and notifications from 'The Pinnacle Club.'

Ms. Harper, who had just offered to pay for me, now looked utterly shocked and thrilled.

They were all successful in their own right, but in the truly top-tier circles, they weren't well-connected.

'The Pinnacle Club' was a legendary, private members-only establishment frequented by VIPs, not open to the public. You couldn't get in with money alone.

And yet, I could arrange it with a single message.

At that moment, any lingering doubts they had about me completely vanished.

Their eyes, as they looked at me, were now filled with undeniable respect.

I walked my friends to the club entrance and watched their cars drive away.

The moment their taillights disappeared, the smile vanished from my face, replaced by a cold fury.

I turned around, ready to go back and clean house.

But Brandon, flanked by two burly security guards, blocked the lobby entrance.

"Stop right there!"

Brandon yelled, pointing a finger at my nose and cursing.

"You think you can just sneak away? No chance! You're not stepping foot out of this building until that money is paid!"

The two guards stepped forward, encircling me menacingly.

I paused, silently observing this utterly absurd scene.

Being held hostage and demanded to pay a non-existent debt, right in a place I owned.

It was truly laughable.